The Outward Selling Mission (OSM) currently taking place in Brazil has been described as a long-term building of relationships by importers, buyers and food and drinks associations, hosting trade seminars and site visits for the South African business delegation. The delegation is taking part in the five day mission organised by the Department of Trade and Industry, (the dti) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The business delegation visited numerous chain and retail stores, supermarkets and food and drink associations in the last two days. The visits were organised for the delegation to get a feel of how the agro-processing products were received and marketed in the country.
According to Willem van der Spuy, the Foreign Economic representative at the dti, the approach for the OSM is specifically looking at promoting products in the agro-processing sector such as wine, juice, rooibos tea, chili-sauce, powdered milk shakes, dried health foods and cereals to name a few.
Van der Spuy says the products and sectors identified are based on areas that are unique and complimentary, and which also contribute to expanding mutually-beneficial trade between Brazil and South Africa.
“The Brazil market is dynamic, and one of the sectors in which the two countries are competing is agro-processing. There is therefore a need for South African businesses to offer products which are complimentary, competitive and have advantage over their counterparts,” said Van der Spuy.
Van der Spuy also said that following on the current visit, another Investment and Trade Initiative event was being scheduled for October 2013, with a number of Brazilian cities targeted for the visit. He added that there were various export opportunities that needed to be explored, and that he believed that South African businesses have the potential to make their mark in Brazil.
“Brazil offers a long-term business market for South African businesses, and therefore we need time to get the approach right and work on building long-term relationships with potential importers and buyers. We just have to follow a general approach that will assist our exporters to adapt their products, pricing and packing for the Brazilian market,” added Van der Spuy.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Sunshine Dunes based in Pretoria, Dr Shineon Hadebe who is already exporting 100% fruit juices to Russia and the United Kingdom says Brazil presents an opportunity to further expand his products in South America.
“The trade seminars and meetings that I have attended so far with potential buyers have shown that there is an interest in the market for me to try out my product. The site visits have also shown gaps and opportunities for emerging exporters such as me to partner with potential importers and supermarkets,” said Hadebe.
South African export of wines and juices to Brazil has increased over the last five years, with South Africa being the eighth largest supplier of wines to Brazil, and the sixth largest supplier of juice to Brazil in 2012.
South African business delegation during their trade seminar and site visit at Wal-Mart Brazil.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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